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Unbiased Science

Are Microplastics a Macro Problem?

Unbiased Science

@unbiasedscipod

Education, Science, Health & Fitness

4.4644 Ratings

🗓️ 27 March 2024

⏱️ 44 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

On this week’s episode of the pod, Jess is joined by not one but TWO toxicologists to discuss microplastics. The episode kicks off with a recap of some of the claims being made about microplastics that we’ve seen splashed all over the headlines. The team discusses just how prevalent and ubiquitous microplastics really are and some of the main sources of microplastics. Next, they dive into the evidence (or lack thereof) that microplastics have an impact on human health. The trio discusses our current technologies and abilities to detect microplastics, as well as their limitations and implications for future research. Finally, they discuss potential mitigation measures and ways to limit exposure. You won’t want to miss this! All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/are-microplastics-a-macro-problem (00:00) Intros (05:26) Understanding Microplastics (09:59) Emergence of Microplastics as a Topic (13:11) Sources of Microplastics (15:42) Concerns about Microplastics in Water (23:41) Microplastics in Food (25:02) Addressing Anxiety and Fear (25:12) Concerns about Microplastics in Seafood (29:35) Health Impacts and Bioaccumulation of Microplastics (35:31) Mitigating Risks: Air Filtration and Food Choices (40:29) Minimizing Exposure and Potential Risks (44:04) Policies for Mitigating Microplastic Risks (45:27) Final Thoughts Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers.

Transcript

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0:00.0

You're listening to an Airwave Media podcast.

0:19.4

Welcome to Unbiased Science, where we bring scientific method to the madness.

0:24.9

I'm your host and public health scientist, Dr. Jess Steyer.

0:29.0

And today, the long-awaited episode on microplastics.

0:34.0

I have seen your messages.

0:35.7

I have read all of them.

0:40.0

I myself, as a public health data scientist did not feel equipped to tackle this topic solo. So I brought in the big guns. I'm joined by not one,

0:47.4

but two brilliant toxicologists who are going to really help me do a deep dive on this topic.

0:55.4

What are microplastics?

0:57.5

You know, what are sources of microplastics?

0:59.6

How do we get exposed to them?

1:01.5

How nervous should we be and are there ways to mitigate risk?

1:05.3

So in prepping for this episode, and I'm going to introduce our two guests in just one moment,

1:09.9

I just typed in

1:11.1

microplastic just to see what would pop up on my page. There are hundreds of social media posts

1:18.1

and news articles in the major media outlets just from Washington Post a week ago. Microplastics

1:24.6

are everywhere. Why don't we know what they do to our health?

1:28.3

Let's see. I guess USA Today picked up on a study that we'll talk about today,

1:33.4

microplastics and arteries linked with heart disease risk. Anyway, all kinds of things.

1:39.5

Study links microplastics to increase heart attack and stroke risks. It's everywhere. So I'm sure

1:45.4

you've all seen articles and posts on this topic. So without further ado, I'd love to

1:50.5

introduce our two guests for today. I will start with someone who you've heard on the podcast.

...

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